I had been completely immersed in planning a small, intimate surprise party. With only three days left before the big day, the pressure was mounting. I had to make sure every single detail was perfect, from the delicate silk decorations to the rich aroma of the catering. I had chosen the greenhouse as the site for the party—the glass walls and lush greenery would make it feel like a private Eden under the stars. Currently, I was deep in the trenches of finalizing the menu with the chef. For the center-piece, the birthday cake, I had decided on a dual-flavor masterpiece: chocolate and vanilla. I chose vanilla because, let’s face it, Eric could be a bit of a boring guy sometimes, but the chocolate? That was because he liked me—rich, sweet, and a little bit addictive. Overall, planning this

